This album has to be heard by everyone. It is one of the best CD's I've ever heard. It grows on you until you know every word, every harmony and you'll be listening to it over and over.

"Bursting out in the 80's on the heels of their first studio album, they sounded like a trap door out of new-wave hell, back into a no-frills nirvana where acoustic guitars, harmony vocals and catchy three-chord melodies were the golden rule. Only trouble was, they themselves didn't seem to see it that way. Subsequent recording efforts dismissed the original's bare-bones approach for a beefed-up sound that only served to starve the band's music of its soul."

Story sound familiar? The above was actually written by a critic (Peter Blackstock) about another local fave -- from Milwaukee/Chicago -- that took a turn for the worse. This was written about the BoDeans, who, despite their "Party of 5" springboard, "grew up" and lost their sense of self in the studio. An artificial, over-produced, nationwide persona betrayed their earlier sound and failed to gain big-time traction.

For those of you like me, a NoVa homer for whom PMB provided the soundtrack for some of my most beloved memories at The State, Birchmere, Bayou, 9:30, etc., I hope you were a little disappointed with sound of this album. To be sure, I was absolutely crushed when I heard the boy-band, soul-less version of "Haven't seen for a while" that never before failed to tug at my heart-strings. "Animal Sounds" this album is not ... and shouldn't try be until the masses embrace what this band did best before heading out west to record this garbage --- catchy melodies and sincere vocals that bypass that part of your brain that listens to music and go directly to the part the feels music. My advice ... go out and grab an older album and wait for a Joe Dirt-type (BoDeans) "live" album this band needs to ressurect their sound.

My all time favorite CD- will always listen and make me feel good

What a big step for the band...although i thoroughly enjoy the acoustic versions, this album blows me away. If you like Pat Mcgee Band, then you are a good person with good taste.

I discovered the Pat Mcgee Band through a friend of mine and have loved them since the first time i heard them. The first concert i went to was when they were pushing "Shine". This album shows the true talent of all of the band members, from the tight harmonies to the clean guitar sounds. For a direct comparison i would put them up against The Dave Matthews Band. Although i would have to say that i like Pat's voice much better. His voice is smooth and meshes well with the harmonies of the other band mates. If you have a chance to see them when they come to your town please don't pass up the chance to hear this truly gifted band. You will walk away feeling fulfilled. Although the band has gone through a few changes, they still know how to leave you wanting more. Shine is the type of CD that you can listen to over and over and it never gets old. It has a variety of different types of songs from slow and heart filled to upbeat and entrancing. This album pulls you to their strengths and keeps you listening.